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Author: Gutter Company

How to Choose the Right Roof Shingles

How to Choose the Right Roof Shingles

An asphalt shingle roof can transform your Clarksville, TN home instantly. As long as you choose the right color and style, you will love the new look. However, it is also a big investment and must be done in the best way possible. Asphalt shingles have been used for over a century in the US since their invention in 1901. They are fire-resistant and durable roofing materials. Besides that, they are beautiful and available in many colors. Before you decide on the right roof shingles for your home, here are a few things you should consider:

Style

The modern architectural shingles make it easy for homeowners to find something stylish for their roofs. You will find asphalt roof shingles that replicate the dimensions and texture of wood shingles and will give your home an excellent appearance. The architectural shingles are also long-lasting and hold up properly because they are thick and made with better construction.

There is no good or bad choice, the best style is what you find most suitable for your home. Remember, a roof is costly and something you will live with for years. If you are looking forward to choosing the ideal style, you can choose one of the three primary asphalt shingles classes:

  • Strip shingles- Strip shingles are also called three-tab shingles. They are basic style and the most common shingle style. They get their name from the shape of their cut and are a flat layer of asphalt.
  • Dimensional shingles- These asphalt shingles are called architectural shingles and are the popular roofing style for most American homes. They come with more than one layer of laminated asphalt and will create a multi-dimensional appearance that gives a natural wood-like appearance.
  • Luxury shingles- These shingles are luxury and classy laminate shingles. They withstand weather elements better than other styles and are available in richer shades, sophisticated designs, and excellent gradations. The shingles add value, beauty, and durability to a home’s exterior.

Color

The color of your roof is important and not something you can overlook. It defines the beauty of your home and not something you can quickly change like the wall colors. It also determines how energy efficient a home is. Having a black asphalt shingle roof means your hose will capture a lot of heat. A light-colored one affects the amount of heat generated by the roof.

Depending on your region’s weather, choose a roof that suits your energy savings. A dark-colored roof captures heat from the rare winter sunshine, which is common in northern states. However, having the same roof in the south will increase the power used to cool a home significantly. Other colors that you may consider are white, green, light brown, dark brown, and blue hues.

Impact Resistance

This is one of the beneficial features of asphalt roof shingles. The impact resistance is available in four levels and you can use it to measure how strong the shingles are against debris and bad weather. The strong shingles have a high rating, which is better than a lower rating. By using the highest impact resistance shingles available, you prepare your home for all weather conditions.

Wind rating

If you live in a region prone to storms and high winds or on the plains where tornados and hurricanes can occur, you must consider the wind rating of shingles. Even though the winds may take years to come, you will save a lot. No matter where your home is located, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

The Warranty

Most shingles manufacturers claim to offer a lifetime warranty. But, it’s not what it sounds like, the roofing parlance it’s not real life. The warranty lasts for around 10 years and after that, you are on your own. Besides that, most roofing warranties do not cover damages due to natural calamities such as a storm and high winds. You need a homeowner’s insurance to cover the costs of such repairs or pay from your pocket.

If you would like to use solar panels in the future, make sure the shingle’s warranty accepts it. Some warranties become void once you install solar panels on the roof.

After choosing the best shingles for your home, get a professional contractor to do the work. Some manufacturers will recommend credible contractors who know how to handle their products and install them perfectly.

Also, check with your homeowner’s insurance provider, they may have a good network of experienced contractors. The right company to handle the project should have at least five years of experience in the industry and an excellent reputation.

Look for local references and check if they have the required local and state licenses. They should also have active insurance certificates. Getting the right shingles for your home will not give you desired results if you hire a qualified roofing company or contractor.

Clarksville Roofing Company

Contact us today for a free roofing consultation. The Gutter Professionals is a trusted provider of residential and commercial roofing systems with years of experience.

Spring Gutter Cleaning

After winter comes spring, a time of the year many look forward to for the warm weather it brings. It’s also the time of the year when flowers blossom, beautifying neighborhoods. Another thing that spring gives you is an excellent opportunity to do some thorough cleaning and home maintenance tasks.

As you know, there are many spring cleaning chores, and they can be tiresome. As a result, it’s easy to forget about one of the most important chores, gutter cleaning.

Why Is Gutter Cleaning Important?

While the gutters may look clean and in great condition from below, they may be clogged and damaged. So, taking the time to clean and inspect your gutters is necessary. Otherwise, you’ll reduce the lifespan of your shingles.

In addition, you’ll have to deal with the consequences of clogged gutters when the rains begin. These include:

  • Water damage- Buildup of twigs, leaves, and other debris will cause clogging. As a result, there’s no clear pathway for water, forcing it onto the roof and walls, which will become damaged.
  • Growth of mold- Clogging causes water to stagnate, making the gutter a breeding ground for mold. This mold can spread to the roof and walls.
  • Pest infestation- The debris on gutters such as leaves attracts pests and critters such as wasps, ants, squirrels, and mice.

While gutter cleaning may seem like an inconvenience, it’s still something you cannot afford to ignore. Without it, the best-case scenario may involve dealing with pests and critters. However, if there’s water damage and mold, it becomes more complicated.

First, mold and damage put you and your loved ones at risk. Secondly, mold removal and doing repairs for water damage also come at a cost. Instead of leaving it to chance, be sure to inspect, clean, and repair gutters regularly.

Tips for Cleaning Gutters

Now that you know why it’s important to clean your gutters, it’s time to find out how to go about it. If you make it a habit, your gutters will remain in excellent condition for a long time. Here’s how to go about it:

  • Gather all the equipment you need to clean the gutters. These include a ladder, strong rubber or plastic gloves, and a gutter scoop or sturdy plastic cup.
  • Climb the ladder until your eye level is 2-3 feet above the gutter.
  • Use the gutter scoop or cup to gently scoop leaves, dirt, mud, and debris from the gutter. Have a bag hanging beside the ladder to toss the dirt.
  • After removing all the dirt, use a hose to rinse the gutters. To do a thorough job, use a high-pressure nozzle.

Gutter Cleaning Services

If everything goes well, you’ll leave the gutters sparkling clean. However, there’s also a chance that you may encounter some challenges, such as clogged or damaged drain pipes. If so, even if the gutters are clean, water will not flow out as you’d expect.

This is where our gutter cleaning services will come into play. We’ll send in an expert or two to clean your gutters thoroughly. During this process, they’ll also inspect the gutters and drain pipes. Any damage spotted will be repaired to ensure that your gutters and drain pipes are in tip-top condition.

Why Should You Choose Our Gutter Cleaning Services?

In fairness, it is possible for you to clean and maintain your gutters. However, the risk of not doing a good enough job is not worth taking.

At the Gutter Pros, we have a team of experienced gutter cleaners ready to assist you. Moreover, we have all the best equipment, and we’ll perform gutter repair if there’s damage. So, instead of worrying about climbing to the gutters, contact us today, and we’ll clean your gutters at an affordable price.

Can Commercial Rain Gutters Protect Your Residential Property?

Installing rain gutters reduces water damage, increases your roof’s longevity and prevents weather-related injuries. Commercial and residential gutters perform the same function, but they offer different sizes, materials and features for each building’s needs. Choosing the right gutters for your building could save you hundreds of dollars each year.

What’s the Difference Between Commercial and Residential Gutters?

The differences between commercial and residential gutters include:

  • Commercial and residential gutters have to comply with different laws and regulations. This includes size, materials, design and positioning.
  • Commercial gutters are larger because they have to cover a wider building.
  • Commercial gutters are typically made from steel or aluminum while residential gutters are made from aluminum, vinyl or copper. Steel gutters are durable and long-lasting, but their price makes them uncommon for residential buildings.
  • Commercial gutters are box-shaped because they can hold more rainwater. Typically, residential gutters are K-style or half-round to meet the homeowners’ needs.
  • Commercial roofs are flat while residential roofs have different shapes and styles. As a result, contractors install the gutters differently on the roofs.

Talk to The Gutter Professionals to learn more about choosing the right gutters for your property.

Should You Install Commercial Gutters on a Residential Property?

While commercial gutters are more durable, they’re not always the right option for residential areas. You’ll have to adapt to different codes, install the gutters differently and potentially pay more for materials. Commercial box gutters handle larger volumes of rain, but since houses are typically smaller than commercial buildings, you’ll pay for size that you don’t need. However, you may consider commercial gutters if you live on a large estate or want steel gutters for maximum durability.

How Do Commercial Rain Gutters Protect Your Property?

Commercial gutters last longer, corrode less and hold more debris than residential gutters. When you invest in commercial gutters, you’ll perform less yearly maintenance, saving time and money for your business.

commercial gutters Hopkinsville, Kentucky

Strong Materials

Typically, rain gutters are made from aluminum or steel, which are two of the strongest metals in the industry. When you buy steel gutters, you’ll get the following benefits:

  • Steel is easy to clean. To clean dirt, grime and debris, all you have to do is wipe it down.
  • Steel is one of the toughest and most resistant metals, meaning that you won’t have to replace it regularly. You’ll save hundreds of dollars on new gutters and installation.
  • Steel is more affordable than other metals.
  • Steel gutters are more environmentally friendly than other types that end up in a landfill. You can take your gutters to the recycling plant when you replace them, and the gutters that you buy might be made from recycled steel.
  • Steel is flexible, meaning that steel gutters come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
  • Steel supports heavier loads than other materials. Leaves, dirt and debris can build up in your gutters without making the system collapse.

If you’d prefer aluminum gutters, the benefits include:

  • Aluminum doesn’t rust like steel, so it withstands frequent rain exposure.
  • Aluminum is tough but lightweight, making it easier to adjust or remove your gutters later.
  • Aluminum doesn’t require much maintenance. At most, you’ll clean your gutters once every six months. Seamless gutters reduce maintenance even further.
  • Aluminum doesn’t corrode under most conditions. Some gutters last up to 30 years, making them an investment for a third of your lifetime.
  • Aluminum is recyclable like steel, making it environmentally friendly.
  • Aluminum is durable and stands up to years of sun and weather exposure.
  • Aluminum doesn’t crack in extreme temperatures, making it last longer than other materials.

Larger Size Gutters

Since commercial buildings have a larger surface area than residential properties, they collect more rain, snow and sleet. Commercial gutters are larger to collect more rain and direct it away from the beginning. They also collect more leaves, grime and debris, reducing the waste that you’ll have to clean off the sidewalk.

Similarly, residential gutters come in K-shape and half-round designs. Commercial box cutters are wider, deeper and easier to clean. They have a simple, polished appearance that looks professional and makes a good first impression. Since box gutters don’t stand out, they won’t detract from the building’s design.

Lower Liability

Without commercial gutters, the rain, sleet and ice cascade off the roof, causing puddles and slick spots around the building. Potholes and cracks in the sidewalk build up over time. If a customer slips and falls on your property, they could hold you liable for dangerous conditions. You might have to pay tens of thousands of dollars in damages, destroying your finances and ruining your reputation.

Commercial gutters direct large amounts of rain away from your building, keeping sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, stairs and ramps dry and ice-free. You’ll also reduce the risk of water, ice sheets and debris sliding off the roof, injuring a passerby. This keeps you, your customers and your employees safe during the workday.

What Are Seamless Gutters?

For extra protection and durability, talk to us about seamless gutters. Traditional gutters are made from multiple pieces of metal that the contractors connect when they install the gutters. They have seams that leak and collect debris. Seamless gutters are a single piece of metal fitted directly to your roof. With no seams, you’ll have no leakage, reduced debris and less maintenance.

Reach Out Today

The Gutter Professionals serves customers throughout the Clarksville, TN region, which includes Shady Grove, Barren Plains and Cumberland City as well as regions in Kentucky such as Hopkinsville, Trenton and Herndon. Our services include gutter cleaning, installation, repair and replacement for residential and commercial properties. We also install and repair roofs, replace windows, repair and replace soffits, and install vinyl siding in a variety of colors and styles.

Call us today @ (931) 538-1096 or fill out the contact form on our website for a free estimate. Tell us about the services that you need, and we’ll discuss the situation and estimate the cost. We’re 100% transparent about our fees–no hidden costs or expenses. We also work with Acorn Finance to provide different financing options.

Choosing The Best Type Of Rain Gutter

Like any other part of your house, rain gutters are an essential part of your home. Aside from giving your house pleasant aesthetics, this discharge system preserves your house against the elements. It keeps rainwater away from the foundation of the house. The little surface water builds up, eventually creating a powerful surge.

The pounding water erodes the foundation soil, weakening the house’s stability. Gutters also preserve the integrity of the garden. They prevent runoffs from cutting through the yard. Surface runoff saturates low parts of your lawn, killing plants through root rot. Thus, gutters maintain the grass and plants in your yard.

There are many types of gutters with varying strengths and weaknesses.

Roof Trough Gutters

Roof troughs are the traditional rain gutter system. They are set under the roof eaves to collect rainwater. Although they lack aesthetics, they make up for it through their efficiency as gutters.

K Style Gutters

K-style gutters look like the letter ‘k’ when viewed sideways. Another name for this type of gutter is ogee gutters because they have a double curve. They typically come in five or six inches.

K-style gutters are advantageous than round gutters because they can hold more water. They also have a lower probability of bending or protruding when subjected to force. They resemble crown moldings on ceilings making them a favorite for many residential and commercial buildings.

Fascia

A fascia is a vertical band on the roof edge that facilitates surface runoff. Unlike other gutters purchased as pieces and fit together, fascias are custom-built to accommodate the shape of your house.

The gutters are larger than K-style and round gutters. They are ideal for large homes needing a water system that handles large water volumes. Its holding capacity can endure sudden downpours without having an overflow.

Rain Gutter Materials

Gutters have different materials.

  • Vinyl Gutters – are cheap, lightweight, rust-resistant, and easy to install. The pieces fit together perfectly. They are efficient for mild or moderate climates – too much cold and heat can break them.
  • Aluminum Gutters – are weightless, free from corrosion, and can accommodate most climates. They also hold paint better than vinyl gutters. However, they also easily dent and break from force.
  • Steel and Copper Gutters – are sturdy compared to aluminum gutters. They also come in a range of metal combinations. The most popular blend is the galvanized gutter because it is more resistant to rust.
  • Stainless steel – are the sturdiest material in the industry. The material is free from rust and durable. However, stainless steel gutters are expensive.

Gutters can be seamless or sectional. Professional roofers can fix any rain gutter.

Seamless Gutters

Seamless gutters are continuous and come from one material. They have no partitions or sections and are different from regular gutters purchased in units and put together on the house. In addition, the gutters are made on-site using specialized machinery and are custom-made for your home.

The absence of joints and connections makes it last longer. It also makes it leak-resistant. These seamless gutters are also low maintenance and are made from aluminum, steel, and copper.

Sectional Gutters

Sectional gutters are made of bits and pieces which connect to form an entire system. They are DIY gutters. The rain gutters are made from different materials like vinyl, steel, aluminum, and copper. The sections make the system weak.

The stability of a sectional gutter depends on its material, especially on the joints. Nevertheless, the sections are weak points in this system.

Gutter Installation

The gutter installation process looks like a straightforward job. However, it requires professionalism. The quality of your gutter system does not matter if it is poorly installed. Professional gutter installers have immense experience setting up, repairing, and cleaning rain gutters.

They are also knowledgeable about the right materials, design, and gutters types suitable for your roof and building. Partnering with them is cost-effective and time-saving.

The best way to fit gutters onto your house is by contracting the services of Hopkinsville gutter professionals. It reduces the probabilities of errors from faulty fixes or loose sections. The gutter fixers also advise on the suitable material and design of the gutter system. The quality of their work is top-notch.

Contact Us

We are certified gutter professionals who understand the beauty and fiction of rain gutters in residential and commercial buildings. We are experts in gutter installation, repair, cleaning, and installing gutter guards.

We customize rain gutters to fit the design of your roof. If you are looking to install a gutter system for your house or you want a complete makeover, kindly don’t hesitate to contact us for reputable, reliable services and get a free quote at (931) 538-1096.

Winter Maintenance Tips for Gutters

As winter in Tennessee and Kentucky sets in, you need to think about preparing your gutters to survive the cold season. A few basic maintenance tips can help you to protect your gutters in the face of rain, storms, and snow. Take a look at the following tips.

1. Clean Gutters for Winter

The Gutter Professionals recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice a year. One of the best times to clean your gutters is right before the winter season, so that they are empty and ready to stand up to the increased volume of water that might result from winter storms or snow melt.

2. Clean the Roof As Well

In addition to cleaning your gutters in preparation for winter, it is also a good idea to clean the roof as well. Winter rains wash debris from the roof into the gutters, which can cause them to become blocked.

You can attempt to clean your own roof with a power washer, but a better option is to work with a roof cleaning service. Professionals have all the equipment needed to carry out a thorough clean, without taking any unnecessary risks. Climbing up onto your roof is dangerous, so you should avoid doing it and leave it to the professionals instead.

3. Inspect Gutters for Leaks, Holes, Rust, and Corrosion

Once you have cleaned the gutters and water is running freely through the downspouts, the next step is to inspect your gutters for leaks, holes, rust, and corrosion. Pay particular attention to the gutter joints, where corrosion is most likely to cause a leak to develop.

You can temporarily fix leaks in gutters using a gutter patching kit, but often it is better to hire a gutter service to carry out repairs. If your gutters are very badly rusted or damaged, it is best to replace them. The Gutter Professionals can advise you on the best type of gutters to choose as a replacement, which might include copper, vinyl, or aluminium. These options are all less susceptible to rust than cast iron guttering.

4. Check the Gutter Framework

As well as checking the condition of your gutters themselves, it is also important to check the framework that holds them to the roof or siding of your home. If the guttering is coming away from the building, it is important to reattach it so that it is secure.

5. Check the Downspouts As Well

When inspecting your gutters, it is important not to forget about the downspouts, which perform the vital function of carrying water from the gutters down to the drain on the ground. Downspouts can also be affected by corrosion, leaks, rust, and holes. Repair or replace downspouts that are in poor condition.

Check the functioning of your downspouts by looking to see where the runoff from them pools. You can use a downspout extender to improve the positioning of the drainage.

6. Check Again After a Storm

Even if you have checked your gutters carefully before the start of winter, it is still a good idea to check them again after a storm. A major storm can strip leaves, twigs, and even branches from trees, with the result that your gutters end up blocked with debris. Clear this debris away to keep your gutters functioning well.

6. Stay Safe

Gutters are often difficult to access, which can mean that checking them is a hazardous process involving climbing on ladders or climbing onto the roof. Never put your personal safety at risk by doing anything that does not feel completely safe. If you cannot clean or inspect your gutters safely, call The Gutter Professionals. We can meet all your winter gutter maintenance needs.

Do You Need New Seamless Gutters?

Its undisputed gutters are an essential part of the house, and Southern Kentucky homeowners should not overlook them while taking care of other parts of the house. They help protect your house from damages that may occur from rainwater by channeling the water to the ground or a water tank. Without them, water will wreak havoc by eroding the soil and also causing damage to your house foundation. In addition, the water may also cause leakage into the house leading to costly repairs.

When it comes to gutter installations, homeowners have many choices, but seamless gutters are perfect. They are one of the current trends in the market. Seamless gutters are not only beautiful but also add value to your home. As the name suggests, the gutters have no seam meaning their installation process requires experts. The professionals will come with a seamless gutter machine to customize the gutters as per your house dimensions.

Benefits of Seamless Gutters
If you are sourcing for the best gutters, I can bet on seamless gutters. They will satisfy your desire. Hopkinsville, KY Seamless gutters offer the following benefits:

  • No leaks. Seamless gutters have no seam meaning there is no space for water to leak out even during heavy rainfall
  • Low maintenance. Unlike sectional gutters, seamless gutters have few points that can cause a clog. The frequency of clogs arising from debris building up is minimal, meaning the maintenance is also low
  • They are custom-made. Seamless gutters are customized to fit your house, meaning they will be performing to customers’ expectations
  • They are long-lasting. Unlike other sectional gutters, seamless gutters are of good quality and durable
  • Appealing aesthetics. Seamless gutters are attractive and improve the beauty of your house
  • Seamless gutter’s cost of repair and maintenance is low compared to other sectional gutters.

Although the installation process may seem easy for most homeowners, there are important things to know when installing gutters on your home. They include:

How to Maintain Your Gutters

Your gutters should be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure they are in good condition. Gutters are clogged mainly by leaves and debris accumulations which may cause the water to overflow into your house. The overflowing water may end up in your ceiling, and this will obviously damage the ceiling. Cleaning the gutters helps to clear debris that may have built up in the joints.

Sometimes most homeowners may tend to do the cleaning work themselves, but it’s advisable to schedule professionals to do the work. Professionals will inspect the condition of your gutters and do the repair and maintenance.

How Much Do the Gutters Cost?
The cost of gutters and the installation charges are some of the essential factors to consider. Mainly the prices are determined by the materials used to fabricate the gutters. The better the quality, the higher the cost but are durable. In this case, seamless gutters are a bit expensive compared to other joint gutters.
Another crucial thing to consider is the type of your house roof. If the roof has a steep incline, you tend to incur more costs.

When to Replace Your Gutters
Even though you regularly clean and inspect your gutters, there comes a time when you need to replace them. If you are experiencing minor issues, there is no need to replace them; a repair will be enough.
It’s important to note that the repairs and maintenance costs will be high if you install cheap gutters. But if you invest in high-quality gutters such as seamless gutters, they will give you a longer lifespan.

If you notice the following problems, then its time to replace your gutters:

  • The gutters are improperly pitched and sagging
  • There are holes and cracks on the gutters
  • The fasteners that hold the gutter are broken
  • Rusty gutters
  • Water spilling over after raining

The Different Types of Gutters

There are two types of gutters, sectional or seamless. Sectional gutters come in sections and are joined together during installation. Seamless gutters come in an entire piece and are cut into a seam by a machine during installation. They lack joints where most wear and tear occur.

Another factor to consider is the type of materials. Some of the materials include galvanized or stainless steel, wood, vinyl, and aluminum. Aluminum is the best material for gutters as they are lightweight, doesn’t peel off paint, and is rust-proof.

If you are considering gutter repair and maintenance or installation in your house, kindly don’t hesitate to contact Hopkinsville gutter professionals to get the best reliable and reputable services.

What Causes The Water Drip Stains On The Gutter Exterior?

Often we get asked by our customers, “why are there drip stain marks under my gutter?”

In many instances, water damage to your exterior is a serious problem that can be averted, but otherwise it’s just an inevitable part of general wear and tear. In this article we explain a few examples.

Most externally hung gutters will eventually have water run marks on the underside of the outer edge and also on the fascia. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a leak. This drip staining of the gutter exterior, can happen even if your gutters are perfectly hung, and even with correct downpipe placement and a gutter guard in place.

On aluminum and steel gutters that are powder coated, this will become a deep hardwater stain that often cannot be removed. But don’t be alarmed, it doesn’t mean there’s any real structural damage to the gutter, it’s just annoying to look at. Hardwater stains are the build up of waterborne minerals that are left behind after water dries. If you look at a flat surface under a microscope, you’ll see that most flat surfaces are not actually flat; they have tiny little crater like holes. The minerals and dirt in water are stuck inside the little craters when the water dries on the “flat” surface. This creates a hard water stain.

Unfortunately, water can get in to places where we don’t want it to be. Water can taper across horizontal surfaces, and even sheet upwards across upward sloping surfaces. A good example of the phenomenon of water tapering is an ordinary glass of water. We all know that when we are drinking from a glass of water, for some annoying reason, we end up with water underneath the glass and then on the table where we place the glass. This is why coffee tables have coasters. Water finds its way to the underside of the glass bottom. During rainfall some of the water hits the outer lip of your gutter and drips downwards.

Next time it rains, don’t be so worried if your gutters are a little bit moist on the underside, it happens. But with that said, there’s a fine line between normal moisture build-up and potential damage. If you are experiencing water sheeting or flooding due to blocked gutters, or blocked gutter guard, call us today on (931) 272-2108. We have many solutions for overflowing gutters, we can also conduct minor tweaks to existing gutter guards, in order to minimize the issue of water spill-over in guttering. Our gutter and fascia cleaning service will make the gutters look new again! Contact the Clarksville gutter cleaning company today.

Seamless Gutters vs. Sectional Gutters, Which Are Better?

To manufacture a seamless gutter, you need a professional grade gutter machine. Sectional gutters (DIY Gutters) differ from seamless because sectional gutters are installed in pieces and have seams. Whereas, seamless gutters are exactly what they sound like, seamless.

Sectional Gutters

Sectional gutters have been around for thousands of years. The earliest gutters were made from wood and often designed into a half-round trough shape, sectional gutters have evolved and now are made from different materials like vinyl, steel, aluminum and copper. Today’s sectional gutters come in 10ft – 20ft sections and connect to one another to form a larger roof drainage system. Since sectional gutter systems connects smaller sections to form larger gutter runs, its weakness lies in the material used and the points at which the gutters connect; the joints.

Seamless Gutters

Seamless gutters are a single continuous piece of gutter often cut from one single-coil piece of metal, typically aluminum but also copper. With longer runs of gutters, there is not an easy DIY installation which means you need a professional with a seamless gutter machine to install these gutters.

When comparing seamless gutters vs. DIY gutters, there are some big differences between the two in the following categories:

  • Gutter Installation
  • Gutter Security And Strength
  • Gutter Repair Ability
  • Gutter Cost

Gutter Installation

Some homeowners opt to install their own gutter system which can be done by purchasing sectional pieces and joining them together as needed. Seamless gutters can only be installed by using a professional gutter machine typically mounted to a service truck.

Gutter Security & Strength

Seamless gutters are by far superior to sectional gutters because they do not have weak points (joints).

Gutter Repair Ability

Repairing a seamless system is more difficult since the entire system will typically be in need of a replacement. Typically seamless gutters need far less repairs than sectional gutters due to their strength.

Gutter Cost

You might assume that sectional (DIY) gutters cost less than seamless but the cost ends up being almost identical when you consider all the pieces you must purchase.

Seamless gutters typically cost between $9 and $25 per foot, so depending on the size of your home you can expect to spend anywhere between $999 and $2500.

Gutters And Downspouts Need Routine Maintenance To Function Properly

As much as we may want for things to last forever without needing to be cleaned up or repaired, this merely does not occur. You take your vehicle in for oil modifications and repairs. You fix things around your house when they break down or get used out. This is merely a part of life, and your gutters and downspouts are no different.

What Causes Gutters To Clog?

The main cause of rain gutter clogging is your home’s proximity to trees. All year, and then more intensely in autumn, trees shed leaves. Some leaves find their way onto roofs and from there, into the gutters and downspouts. The clogging is quicker and more troublesome for houses that have flat or near-flat roofs.

Other common issues that cause gutters and downspouts to clog:

  • Drainage Problems – Consider that a 30-foot section of standard five-inch gutter can hold up to about 36 gallons of water at one time. All of that water is flowing toward one (or sometimes two) two-by-three inch downspout openings, then down past one or two downspout elbows before exiting the gutter system. Even in a moderate rainstorm, the large quantity of flowing water is likely to back up to some degree, which allows time for solid debris to be deposited along gutters or in downspouts.
     
  • Not Enough Gutters and Downspouts – If there are not enough gutters on the sides of your home, the rainwater may overflow. This can overwork your gutters and downspouts, damaging them.
     
  • A Decaying Roof – More and more over time, shingle granules will come off of your roof and begin to clog your gutters.

Gutter Downspout Elbow Clogs

Did you know that gutter elbows are an important part of gutter downspouts and gutter leaders because elbows enable gutter installation to be “tight” to the house or building.

However, gutter elbows can sometimes create their own clogging issues. Gutter downspout elbows are designed to bend and curve and this can cause dirt, shingle granules and other debris to get caught up. When gutter elbows get clogged they must be cleaned to ensure proper water drainage and avoid costly repairs to your home. Cleaning downspouts at a multi-story level can be time consuming and dangerous.

What if this task of cleaning high downspout elbows could be severely limited or even stopped all together?

The most common gutter elbow used has a 75 degree slope. This is a pretty severe turn that can catch and hold debris. If your gutter downspout elbows are causing you routine problems then consider changing them out to 45 degree elbows. 45 degree elbows are a much smoother turn that is far less likely to catch and hold debris from your roof.

If you desire your gutters and downspouts to carry out the task that they were designed to do, then you must ensure that they get regular maintenance carried out on them. When you stop to believe about how little it really costs to have a Hopkinsville, KY gutter cleaning company come out to your home, it must be clear that disregarding your gutters and letting them fall under a state of disrepair is an expensive error. Don’t let your gutters and downspouts cause you worry. The Gutter Professionals can keep your gutters in top shape, quickly and affordable.

The Importance Of Gutter Maintenance

One of the responsibilities of owning a house or any building is maintenance. Taking care of the gutters can be a dreaded (sometimes even forgotten) task that no one wants to take care of themselves. Thankfully there are professional cleaners and gutter technicians who deal with gutter repair, maintenance, and cleaning.

The Importance Of Gutters

Gutters may seem like a pain and a simple addition to your house, but in reality, they do a lot for you to prevent damage to your property. Their main purpose is to divert water away from your building that could otherwise cause expensive damage. Your siding, basement, foundation, and landscaping all benefit from the simple fact that you have gutters.

Erosion from water can be disastrous on any house. Siding that is exposed can start to rot through, and paint that was once pristine will start to fade. Homes located in rainy areas can even begin to grow mold and mildew without the protection of gutters. Your gardens and yard work are susceptible to heavy rain or washes too if you are not careful. Even your basement can be flooded, or worse—your foundation can shift because of improper water flow around the house.

In the long run, gutters can limit the effects that erosion has on important locations while improving water flow to prevent any flooding or foundational problems. That is why regular maintenance to prevent drooping or damage from occurring is important to the longevity of your home. They might not seem like much, but Clarksville gutters do a lot to protect property from damage.

Why Maintain Gutters

Maintaining gutters is fairly easy and doing so regularly can prevent home damage too. While the gutters themselves offer protection from erosion, they are susceptible to catching leaves and other debris that might get carried over during a heavy rain. The accumulated weight of this debris can cause significant damage not only to the gutters themselves but also to your Tennessee home.

Gutters are placed directly on the edge of your roof, meaning the overhanging sections must support all of the weight the gutters accumulate. It might not seem like much, but weight and erosion can cause a strain on your roof potentially resulting in serious damage. If a gutter has too much weight on it, or goes too long without maintenance, it could take part of your roof with it when it falls.

Another issue that plagues gutters is clogging. Although it is unsurprising, debris can easily clog gutter drains, forcing water to pool on the roof and in the gutter before pouring over the edge. When this happens, you might as well not have gutters in the first place, as the water is draining where it would have if they weren’t even there.

Step to Take Care of Gutters

When you are taking care of your gutters, it is important to recognize the point at which they need work. You shouldn’t let them go for long if you realize that something is wrong with them.

If left alone, a simple problem can turn into a major water leak or erosion issue. That is why servicing your gutters is important either on your own or by hiring a professional gutter company.

Making sure that your gutters are in proper working order should be a priority. Repair, maintenance, and cleaning is necessary to ensure that there will be no serious issue in the lifetime of your gutters.

Common Causes of Gutter Damage

Gutter damage typically happens because of a lack of care, but there are extreme cases where weather has played a key role in the damaging of gutters. Ice is particularly bad for gutters of any kind. Not only are the bolts that hold them in place exposed to the cold, but the heavy weight and forming ice can completely ruin gutters. Ice expands when it forms, forcing the gutters to expand with them. There are some covers that you can place on your gutters to avoid worst case scenarios in winter, but if you are caught unprepared, you can face catastrophic damage.

To spot potential issues before they arise here are 5 non-weather-related ways gutters get damaged:

  • Blockage in the gutters
  • Blockage in the pipes
  • Incorrect installation
  • Dislodged joints
  • Inadequate pipes

Most of these can easily be fixed, so long as you know what to look for before it happens. Blockages should be cleared as soon as possible and many joints can easily be tightened back into place.

Clarksville Gutter Professionals

If you are in need of gutter maintenance, repair, or cleaning, The Gutter Professionals is the perfect place to look. We have professionals who can service your Tennessee or Kentucky home quickly and without delay, protecting your property from the potential damages neglected gutters can bring. Contact us to receive a free estimate on your gutter servicing needs.